First responders, health care workers can shop special hours, get discounts at these businesses during coronavirus crisis

Kelly Tyko / USA TODAY

Friday

Apr 17, 2020 at 3:30 PM

Retailers across the nation are giving priority access to health care workers and first responders.

Stores are designating special shopping hours to help those serving on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. The designated hours are similar to what retailers introduced in March for seniors and shoppers with underlying health concerns.

At Costco Wholesale Club, members who are health care workers or first responders can move to the front of lines.

Some businesses including restaurants and convenience stores are offering discounts and freebies including coffee and meals.

Walgreens announced Thursday that it is designating April 25 as "Frontline Heroes Discount Day," and will give first responders, police and medical personnel 30% off regularly-priced Walgreens brands and 20% off regularly priced national brand products.

An employment badge or identification is needed at Walgreens, other retailers and restaurants to participate in the majority of the special hours and discounts.

Special shopping hours

BJ's Wholesale Club: From 8 to 9 a.m. Sundays, first responders and health care workers can shop without a membership at all locations when they show their badge for the new "Appreciation Hour." The senior shopping hour for club members 60 and over will be updated to Monday through Saturday 8 to 9 a.m. because of the change.

A small way to say thank you to our first responders and healthcare workers for all their hard work and dedication. pic.twitter.com/66cbBZXSe6

— BJ's Wholesale (@BJsWholesale)April 16, 2020

Costco Wholesale Club: Costco is temporarily allowing priority access to members who are health care workers and first responders with valid ID of their role to "move to the front of any line to enter the warehouse," the company posted on its website.

Giant Eagle: Health care workers and first responders can shop an hour before stores open to the public every Thursday and Friday.

Meijer: The grocery store chain is reserving 7 to 8 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays for essential service workers (all medical workers, first responders and law enforcement) and store employees.

Publix: Until further notice, the Florida-based grocery store chain is extending hours for first responders and hospital staff. The special hours are from 8 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and 7 to 8 a.m. on Fridays.

Learn morehttps://t.co/5xgWhYMhrQpic.twitter.com/HRdxuNKbXz

— Publix (@Publix)April 15, 2020

Sam's Club: Every Sunday from 8 to 10 a.m. until further notice, health care workers and first responders can shop during Sam's Club Associate Appreciation Shopping Hours, which also have been dubbed Hero Hours.

Save Mart: All Save Mart, FoodMaxx and Lucky stores will have special shopping hours – one hour before and one hour after posted store hours daily – for first responders, including law enforcement, fire and medical personnel with "proof of credentials."

We’re proud to help the first responders and healthcare workers who help all of us. Every Sunday from 8-10 a.m. we’ll offer special hero hours nationally to help your community’s heroes do what they do best – keep you safe.pic.twitter.com/lhTB76PbzY

— Sam's Club (@SamsClub)April 14, 2020

Southeastern Grocers: The parent company of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is extending hours on Mondays and Tuesdays to add a special shopping hour from 8 to 9 p.m. for health care providers and first responders.

We'll be reserving pickup services from 7 - 8 a.m. daily for customers over the age of 60, first responders, customers with disabilities and others who are at a high risk for#COVID19. Read more here:https://t.co/wVgn3GaBI2pic.twitter.com/3Th0Cgsilb

— Walmart Inc. (@WalmartInc)April 14, 2020

Walmart: The retail giant is reserving an hour each day for pickup orders for first responders as well as shoppers most at risk for the coronavirus. The "pickup hour" is from 7 to 8 a.m. daily.

More special hours: Businesses with more than 50 locations, share your special hours with USA TODAY by filling out this form for possible inclusion in updates to this story.

Freebies, discounts for health care workers, first responders

Some businesses are delivering free food and coffee to hospitals. At other restaurants, the specials might be offered at some franchise locations. The following offers are available at participating locations until further notice unless otherwise noted.

Bojangles’: Through June 10, the chain is giving away free cups of its Legendary Iced Tea to healthcare workers, first responders and law enforcement. No purchase is necessary.

BP: First responders and health care workers get 50 cents off per gallon on their next fill up at BP and Amoco stations. To get the discount, you'll have to verify your employment status. Learn more at www.bp.com/localheroes.

To our local heroes, first responders, doctors, nurses & hospital workers, thank you for being on the front lines & keeping our communities safe. We are honored to support you by providing fuel discounts. Limited discount codes available:https://t.co/rqjwm0WIDK#InThisTogetherpic.twitter.com/3PS0wPA3ZV

Crocs: The company is giving away free footwear to health care workers including doctors and nurses and others in the industry who are on the frontlines of the pandemic. Choose between Crocs Classic Clogs and Crocs At Work styles. The free Crocs are available while supplies last at www.crocs.com/freeforhealthcare.

Cumberland Farms: The convenience store chain is offering a free cup of hot or iced coffee in any size to healthcare workers, first responders and military personnel "throughout this unprecedented time." To receive a free coffee, tell a store employee your profession at checkout.

Police officers, firefighters, active military, paramedics, doctors, nurses, hospital and medical staff and medical researchers - tell our team members you’re in one of these fields and your coffee is free. Thank you!pic.twitter.com/OIgWA0giSK

— Cumberland Farms (@cumberlandfarms)March 30, 2020

Dollar General: Through April 30, all medical personnel, first responders and activated National Guardsmen get a 10% discount on qualifying purchases when they show their employment badge or ID at more than 16,300 stores. The discount store said in a news release that the program could be extended.

Krispy Kreme: Every Monday through National Nurses Week (May 6-12), Krispy Kreme is giving all health care workers with a badge free dozens of its Original Glazed Doughnuts. This drive-thru offer is for anyone who works at a hospital, as well as physicians, nurses, surgeons, psychologists, dentists, optometrists, pharmacists and their staff. While supplies last.

Thank you to the healthcare workers and first responders working tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

Inspired by the generosity of our partners (employees), we are offering all front-line responders a free tall brewed coffee at participating stores in the US.pic.twitter.com/e7Z8aRCtMt

— Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks)March 26, 2020

Starbucks: The coffee giant is serving up free coffee for first responders and health care workers through May 3. The offer is for police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, hospital and medical staff and medical researchers, Starbucks said.

Uber: The ride-hailing service is offering 10 million free rides and deliveries to health care workers, seniors and people in need. The service also says it is giving away free meals.

Thank you Helpers, for having heart and giving hope. This is for you!#helperspic.twitter.com/bH2KE2dIvF

— Wawa (@Wawa)April 16, 2020

Walgreens: April 25 is "Frontline Hero Discount Day" at the company's more than 9,200 stores for health care workers and first responders who present their employment badge or appropriate identification get up to 30% off eligible items.

Wawa: For a limited time, the convenience store chain is giving free coffee to health care workers and first responders.

White Castle: Through April 30, healthcare workers and EMTs get a free Castle Combo or breakfast combo with their ID and a coupon posted at www.whitecastle.com.

More discounts: Smaller regional chains may also be treating first responders and health care workers.

Businesses with more than 50 locations, share your discounts or special hours with USA TODAY by filling out this form.

Contributing: Genna Contino, Greenville News; Brett Molina, USA TODAY

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

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